Nestled in the rolling Chiltern Hills of Bedfordshire, Whipsnade Zoo is the UK’s largest zoo, spanning an impressive 600 acres of beautiful parkland and home to over 11,000 animals. Managed by conservation charity ZSL, this extraordinary wildlife haven offers families the rare opportunity to see some of the world’s most remarkable creatures up close while supporting vital global conservation work.
Boo at the Zoo – Spook-tacular Halloween Fun
Little monsters looking for a frightfully good day out this October Half Term will adore Boo at the Zoo, running from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November. This annual Halloween celebration sees Whipsnade Zoo transformed into a world of spooky delights, with highlights including the Ghoulish Graveyard Trail, scary storytelling sessions, and a ghost tour exploring eerie tales from the zoo’s past.
Admission to Boo at the Zoo is included with standard entry, and families can enjoy a spooky science show revealing the secrets behind animal adaptations. There are also daily costume prizes, while creative little ones can book add-on activities such as Halloween candle-holder crafts or rides on The Great Whipsnade Railway. Fearless families can even spot vampire crabs in the butterfly biome or the famously fanged Chinese water deer roaming freely. Every hair-raising visit helps fund ZSL’s crucial conservation work, ensuring a brighter future for wildlife.
Virtual Reality Experience – A Journey Around the World and Beyond
Animal lovers seeking even more adventure can head to Base Camp for Whipsnade Zoo’s immersive virtual reality experience in partnership with Immotion. Using cutting-edge 360-degree headsets, motion pod seating, and surround sound, visitors are transported across the globe – from the ocean’s depths to prehistoric lands – in just seven minutes.
Dinosaur Evolution
This thrilling prehistoric adventure transports visitors 66 million years back to the Cretaceous period, where feathered raptors hunt, armoured giants defend their territory, and the mighty T-Rex reigns supreme. Combining breathtaking visuals with real science, it’s a mesmerising journey through time that will captivate budding palaeontologists and inspire curiosity about evolution and extinction.
The Great Migration
In this awe-inspiring film, children and their grown-ups can follow millions of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes across East Africa’s vast grasslands. Emmy-winning filmmakers capture the perilous journey from the Masai Mara river in Kenya to the majestic landscape of Tanzania’s Serengeti as these animals face predators and natural challenges in their eternal quest for water and grazing. It’s a humbling reminder of nature’s resilience and interconnectedness.
A Mermaid’s Quest
This beautifully animated underwater tale follows a young seafarer’s underwater adventure as he explores marine habitats with a mermaid guide. Beneath the shimmering waves, children learn an important message about plastic pollution and its devastating impact on ocean ecosystems. It’s a thoughtful and visually enchanting story that blends wonder with environmental awareness.
Animal Encounters Both Big and Small
Southern White Rhino
These magnificent, lumbering giants were a family favourite – powerful yet peaceful. Once on the brink of extinction, white rhinos have made a remarkable recovery thanks to global conservation efforts. Young visitors are often amazed to learn that despite their tough exterior, rhinos are surprisingly gentle and communicate using grunts and huffs.
Gemsbok Antelopes
Elegant and athletic, the gemsbok are desert specialists with striking black and white markings. Their long, straight horns and ability to withstand intense heat make them perfectly adapted to life in arid regions – a fascinating example of nature’s ingenuity.
Ostriches
Children were enthralled by the world’s largest bird, who may not fly but can sprint up to 70 km/h. Watching these curious creatures strutting around was pure delight.
Lions
The majestic pride was a true highlight. While the adult lions basked regally in the autumn sun, their boisterous cubs tumbled, chased, and pounced, much to everyone’s amusement – a heartwarming reminder of the bond between parent and child.
Grevy’s Zebra
These rare zebras, distinguished by their fine, narrow stripes and large ears, are the most endangered of all zebra species. Their beauty and grace left a lasting impression, and learning about their conservation story added depth to the experience.
Yaks
Shaggy and sociable, the yaks delighted visitors with their thick coats and gentle demeanour. Adapted to freezing mountain climates, these hardy animals are nature’s lesson in resilience and strength.
Asian Elephants
The Asian elephants were a firm favourite. As the second-largest land mammals after their African cousins, they can eat up to 150kg of food daily. We watched, fascinated, as a baby elephant confidently walked backwards – a charming display of curiosity and coordination.
A nearby replica showed the astonishing amount of dung one elephant produces in 24 hours – they can poo up to 20 times a day! Impressively, all of it is recycled by local farms as fertiliser, reinforcing the zoo’s commitment to sustainability.
Reptiles and Aquarium Creatures
Inside the aquarium, we encountered a world of colour and texture – from mesmerising chameleons changing hues to endangered fish species gliding serenely through their tanks. Each enclosure offered fascinating insights into these often-overlooked yet vital creatures.
Victoria Crowned Pigeon
In the Butterfly House, a regal Victoria Crowned Pigeon strutted proudly among the tropical greenery. With its striking blue plumage and elegant crown of lacy feathers, this bird is one of the most beautiful pigeons in the world. Native to the rainforests of New Guinea, it’s a gentle giant of the bird world that captivates children with its graceful movements and soft cooing calls.
Glasswing Butterfly
A delicate wonder of nature, the Glasswing butterfly is known for its transparent wings that allow it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Native to Central and South America, its see-through wings make it look almost magical, and children are fascinated by how this tiny creature becomes nearly invisible in flight.
Tiger Longwing Butterfly
With its bold orange-and-black stripes, the Tiger Longwing adds a flash of tropical brilliance to the Butterfly House. These striking butterflies are known for their slow, graceful flight and for feeding on nectar-rich flowers. Their vivid colouring isn’t just beautiful – it warns predators that they taste unpleasant, a clever survival trick.
Zebra Longwing Butterfly
Easily recognisable by its long, narrow black wings streaked with yellow, the Zebra Longwing glides elegantly through the air. Known for its social nature, this butterfly often roosts in groups overnight. Its striking pattern and gentle flight make it a firm favourite for younger visitors captivated by its quiet charm.
Playtime at Whipsnade Zoo – Outdoor Adventures and Indoor Fun
Hullabazoo Adventure Play
Spanning over 7,800 square metres, Whipsnade Zoo’s outdoor play area is a paradise for energetic children. Themed zones invite exploration with bridges, swings, climbing frames, slides, a zip wire, sound, balance, and even a ZSL jeep. There is also a huge array of sensory and physical play to delight children, including sand play – and water play in the warmer months. Designed for children aged 0–13, this adventurous playground offers endless opportunities for imaginative play. Parents and kids can take a break from the excitement in chill out areas and accessible picnic benches – perfect for enjoying a drink, snacks or a packed lunch.
Hullabazoo Indoor Play
For indoor fun, Hullabazoo is a free soft play experience designed around different animal habitats, allowing children to crawl, climb, and mimic their favourite creatures. It’s suitable for ages 3–10, with a separate area for under 3s to ensure safe play for all. Entry is by pre-booking only, with tickets released at 10.30am, 24 hours in advance of your visit. Sessions last just under an hour, providing the perfect opportunity for little ones to burn off energy while parents enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Whipsnade Zoo – A Wildly Wonderful Family Day Out
Whipsnade Zoo truly delivers a full day of wonder, discovery, and play – where every visit supports wildlife conservation and every child leaves with memories to treasure. We recommend worth arriving early to make the most of the zoo’s expansive grounds and attractions. For the latest ticket prices and to find out more information to help plan your visit, check out the Whipsnade Zoo website.
Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade, Dunstable, LU6 2LF
www.whipsnadezoo.org
